Trumpcare & the Donut Hole

With the transition to President Trump and a full Republican Congress, the Affordable Care Act is likely to be repealed and replaced with a new healthcare system. When it was first introduced during the Obama administration, the ACA affected nearly every facet of healthcare. One of the portions of healthcare that was altered substantially was that of Medicare.

Generally, Medicare was reformed to introduce a few cost-cutting solutions that were meant to cause care providers to focus even more on providing their customers with high quality care and less on the expenses that they could charge to Medicare. These changes have also affected what is known as the "donut hole". These changes have been largely positive. However, with Trumpcare looming, there are many ways in which the "donut hole" could be affected if the bill is signed into law.

What is the Donut Hole?

The "donut hole" is a term that typically refers to a gap that exists between the set coverage limit for prescriptions and the catastrophic limit that's reached when seniors spend the max of out-of-pocket costs with their drug plan. When a senior citizen purchases Medicare Part D to cover their prescription medications, they are required to pay any amount of the prescription left over after insurance pays for a portion of the costs.

Eventually, Medicare was unable to cover the costs for prescription medications, leading to the development of the "donut hole". To better understand all that the "donut hole" entails, it's important to be aware of the main components of Medicare Part D coverage. For 2017, anyone who purchases a Medicare part D plan will be provided with coverage of up to $3,700 throughout the year, though a $400 deductible is applied.

Once your out-of-pocket costs reach $4,950, every expense afterwards is deemed catastrophic and is automatically covered almost entirely. There are still co-pay costs that the person enrolled into the plan will be subject to. The "donut hole" is the amount between the first portion of your coverage and the catastrophic coverage.

You would typically be required to pay all costs once you're in the "donut hole". However, the ACA introduced some new reform measures that help seniors who fall into this gap. Anyone enrolled in a Medicare Part D Plan will have 60% of costs paid for when buying popular brands of prescription medications and up to 49% for any generic medications, which helps to save the person enrolled into the plan a lot of money.

With each passing year, the ACA reduces the gap between the first portion of coverage and catastrophic coverage. It's believed that this gap will be gone entirely by 2020 if the ACA stays in place. However, with the possibility of Trumpcare being introduced and signed into law, many people worry about how this new healthcare plan will change the reform brought about by the ACA.

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tarpon springs boat repair

S&S Marine Services is located near Crystal Beach and is your one stop shop for any boat repar service. Crystal beach is perfectly named after it's white sandy shoreline, matching that of its Caribbean sisters. The town is perfectly unique with its old fashioned, quaint feel. There's only around 1,200 people that live here and some of the streets still remained unpaved, covered in seashells. Here you'll find a beautiful pier and in the evening, locals alike will gather to watch the sunset. It's purely magnificent! The sand here reflects the sun's rays so it remains cool and doesn't burn your feet. It was originally a fishing village so make sure you fit in time to set a line or two! You can fish straight from the beautiful beach or opt to stand out on the Crystal Beach pier where you'll be greeted by local birds looking for a spare fish. It's one of the most popular fishing spots in this small community.



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The Most Helpful Dog Advice You Will Ever Read

Would you like to save a dog from the pound? Or do you prefer to get a dog from a dog breeder? Getting a dog will give you endless amounts of love, whether it be mutt or show dog. That said, it comes with a great deal of responsibility too, so read this article in full to learn what lies ahead.

 

It is expensive to own a dog. Each dog needs quality food, medical care and general supplies. It can cost you around $1000 each year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.

 

Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Keep eye on non-verbal clues and look toward your dog for your next move.

 

If you are going to taking your dog on vacation, take a pic of him on your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print "lost" flyers.

 

Be careful of the ingredients in many flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.

 

Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. In some cases, your pet may not be able to consume certain food brands without becoming nauseous. Be careful about which foods you feed your dog.

 

Do not overlook your dog's bad behavior. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. In addition, by not taking action, your dog may injure another person, even you. Therefore, ensure you discipline your dog.

 

Plenty of physical activity is one of your dog's necessities. Dogs need physical activity and play time; it's good for their physical and mental health. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.

 

Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. Long-term, the dog will do much better with nutritious, good quality food. Though better brands cost more, it is worth it to know your dog is receiving the nutrients it needs.

 

Your vet will provide sound advice regarding medication or special needs for your pet, so ensure you pay heed to their words. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. The directions that you get from your vet are focused on the health of your pet and ignoring them can be detrimental to your pet.

 

You have the information you need to properly care for your new dog now, so get ready to show your dog its new home. Keep learning new ideas about caring for your dogs online. Think about joining a dog forum to chat with fellow dog owners. Educating yourself is something you continue to do for life, so now is not the time to stop!

Pet Care Tips Specifically For Dog Owners

Dog ownership is a responsibility you have to take seriously. Your job is to keep the dog happy and healthy always. Knowing what it takes to achieve this balance with your dog means learning all you can, so educate yourself fully by reading the information which lies below.

 

Make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. Statistics show that doing this can reduce your dog's cancer risk, which can result in a longer life span. In addition, spayed or neutered dogs aren't as likely to roam away from your home, which can result in them getting run over by a vehicle, killed by a bigger animal, shot, or kidnapped.

 

If you're on any kind of medication, even if it's over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. If the dog gets near the pills, then just a few of them could do serious harm and result in a trip to emergency room. If the dog does consume some medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

Try using hand signals when training a dog instead of just using verbal commands. Signals like these help your dog learn things quickly. Find out the way that your dog prefers and use it.

 

Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. If you ignore any issue with your pet then later on it's going to be harder to train it to obey because it doesn't know any better. Bad behaviors that are left uncontrolled can result in human injuries to you, your child, your friend or your neighbor. This is why it's important to nip them in the bud immediately!

 

Listen to your vet when he tells you how to administer medication or care. For instance, your dog may need a cone and not like it, but your vet prescribed it for a reason. If you fail to listen to your vet, your dog may end up sick or injured.

 

Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what's typical for your type of dog. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Talk to your vet about prevention, too.

If you plan to travel with your pet make sure to contact a pet transport service with a great reputation

 

If you have a dog that has problems with separation anxiety, or to be nice, you should leave music on when you're going out of the house. The sounds will help your pet feel safer and will make it feel like it's not alone. That might work to appease his anxiety during the time you aren't home.

 

Your dog needs plenty of affection. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. With dogs, this can lead to trouble. Dogs need to be praised five times more frequently than scolding. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.

 

Now that you know what to do, don't wait to get started! Alter your life to be sure you and your dog will benefit. When your dog is happy, you'll be happy too.

Questions About All Dog Breeds Answered Here

There are many responsibilities that you have when caring for a dog. Dogs need a lot of attention. What steps must one take to keep their dog happy? This article will give you expert advice that will help you learn new information.
 
Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Ask your vet for recommendations. Be sure to keep children away while you're applying any flea treatment.
 
Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Always be cautious about dog food.
 
Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
 
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight. The vet will know what is best for your pet.
 
Let your dog have rawhide rather than bones from the meat you eat. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog's mouth or digestive tract. Rawhide is great for oral health, so don't give Rover any of your T-bone, regardless of how much you know he wants it.

Watch what they drink & never give them any alcohol because it's poisonous to dogs, read this article
 
You should always trim your nails. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. These can be trimmed at home if you use nail clippers from the store. If you are worried about doing this, simply take him to a groomer - it doesn't cost very much to get his nails trimmed.
 
When you get a new dog, schedule a visit with a vet. Do this as soon as your dog arrives at your doorstep. The vet will examine your dog. Also talk to your vet about getting the dog spayed or neutered - there are already way too many dogs in shelters, and you really don't want to add to this problem.
 
Even if you seek a pure bred animal, you should not overlook the pound. There are often pure bred dogs at shelters and rescues, and they are desperately in need of homes. Call the shelter to find out which dogs they have available. You'll be saving a life.
 
What new laws or regulations concerning pets will affect you? Make sure that you know all legislation that may be going through your local system. Some of it may be trying to regulate you as a dog owner. These legislatures generally arise from specific breeds or random cases of bad instances. Be sure to voice your concerns in regards to dogs and dog owners by staying in touch with local officials.
 
The more you learn about them, the better you can care for them. You will have a loyal companion for life when you treat your dog right. If the roles were reversed, you want your dog to find out all about you.
 

Read This Article To Get Answers To Your Questions About Dogs

Dogs are loyal companions unrivaled by any other. That's why it is critical for dog owners to find out all they are able to about caring properly for their pets and making sure that they are in the finest possible condition. This article will provide you with a great start.

 

Use flea treatments with caution. Many have ingredients that are dangerous to kids. Talk to your veterinarian about safer alternatives.

 

Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.

 

Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. You and your dog will both be happier if you are a perfect match.

 

If you are not sure of how much to feed your dog each day, talk to your vet about it. The amounts on the label might not apply in your dog's situation. Check with you vet to find out about the feeding guidelines for your particular dog.

 

Take the time to correct bad behavior in your dog at the first sign of it. If you ignore any issue with your pet then later on it's going to be harder to train it to obey because it doesn't know any better. Not only will it be difficult to curb the bad behavior, he can pose physical harm to you or someone you love.

 

If you are going to get a dog from the shelter, make a appointment with the vet. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.

 

When buying your dog's food, do not get the cheap stuff. In the long run, it is beneficial to be feeding your dog high quality, nutritious food. Even though you are paying more, it will save on health bills down the road.

 

Some breads are prone to illness, and you need to know if yours is one of them. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Speak with your vet about the positive steps you can take to help your dog avoid these sorts of breed related problems.

 

You can find pure breeds at the dog shelter. Many pet owners abandon their dogs at the pound when they no longer want to, or are able to, keep them. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. You may be saving a dog's life.

 

There are many advantages to owning a dog, including companionship and unconditional love. Doing as much research on dog care is the best thing for a dog owner. Use the great advice from the article above as a resource to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Common Sense Advice For Caring For Your Dog

Are you having a hard time with training your dog? Do you have a dog who chews on everything and thinks nothing of it? It might be time to teach your dog some lessons on how to behave. To learn what else your dog needs, read on.

 

Make your home doggie-proof. Create a safe area to bring a new puppy into the home. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can't get to it. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog's reach or remove them.

 

Neuter or spay your dog. It is a known fact that doing this will lessen the probability of your dog getting cancer. Besides, a neutered dog will be less likely to run away or to get in fights with other animals.

 

Take some time to become familiar with your canine's non-verbal language. If your dog is fearful or shy, do not insist that they interact. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.

 

When vacationing with your dog, use the camera on your phone to snap a quick picture. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make "lost" posters.

 

Always have your dog on a leash when he's off your property. A feral animal might catch their attention, causing them to pursue them, or an unplanned incitement might lead to a bad situation with other pet owners. You're responsible for their actions and safety.

 

If you have an outdoor pet, build a shelter for him or buy one that is ready to use. If the dog gets wet feet that could make him stressed out and cause other health problems as well. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.

 

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Dogs need physical activity and play time; it's good for their physical and mental health. Throw a ball around the park with your dog and play fetch. This will create a great bond with your dog when performing these activities.

 

Leaving a radio playing while you are gone will help your dog stay calm and may alleviate separation anxiety. The noise from the music will comfort the dog and that can help the animal to feel secure. It may help them conquer their anxiety while waiting for you to return, source here.

 

Schedule appointments with the vet regularly. Dogs must see their vet for full exams, vaccinations and routine testing. With a puppy, you will need to visit your vet a little more often. You need to go to the vet as soon as your dog seems sick or hurt.

 

Putting up with a badly behaved dog is a thing of the past. You won't have to witness your dog chewing on your favorite shoes or barking at every single person that he sees. Your dog's behavior depends on you. Take all that you've learned here, and teach your canine how to be a good pet.